  
2009
KTM
990 Adventure - is formidable as an Adventure
Touring beast, and surprisingly Agile on the MX Track? |
 |
2009
KTM 990 Adventure
|
44 Marine Drive,
Paarden Eiland, Cape Town
(021) 511 7966
(021) 511 2538
-33.910000,
18.471117
-33° 54' 36.00", +18° 28' 16.02"
|
"The KTM
990 Adventure is rated world wide as THE touring
machine of choice for more experienced riders. The bike is exceptional
comfortable on long trips and has the agility of its enduro cousin
the 950 SE". I took her out for a blast on an MX track to
muscle her around in the mud.
Craig Marshall - Rider |
|
KTM
990 Adventure
The Quick test ride took place
at the Richwood Quad Track and on the windy back roads
of Contermanskloof in Tableview.
We only had a 2 hour window to do the photoshoot and rain
was threatening, so I blasted around the track and gave
the bike a good working over.
My intentions were to test the agility of the 990
adventure, from pervious rides on the 990, I know the
bike is comfortable, and made for the open road. But how
would she do on a tight wet MX track? |
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The 990’s
gauges, include a digital speedometer and analog tachometer;
there’s a clock and temperature gauge but no fuel gauge—one
would have been welcome. As a compensating factor, in addition
to the two tripmeters, the Adventure also has a tripmeter
that activates with the low-fuel warning light and counts
forward to inform you of how far you’ve traveled on
“reserve.”
|
brembo
ABS - Phenomenal on Tar - Great in the dirt, if you
know how. Like most duals sport bikes in this class, the ABS
can and should be turned off on gravel roads, unless your'e
an expert and totally confident - then its nearly as effective
as on Tar. The ABS operates individually so both wheels will
not activate on loose gravel corners. |
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|
With
even more displacement, an electronic fuel injection
and a regulated catalytic converter, the 990
Adventure is now elevated to the highest
technical level in matters of safety and emission
control, which is now regulated to conform to
EURO III standards. The 990
Adventure is fitted with
the proven light weighted LC8 engine with an increased
displacement of now 999 cc.
In addition, new motor management guarantees a
powerful and dynamic unfolding of power and significantly
improved torque while maintaining the same level
of top performance. |
Make
Model
|
KTM
990 Adventure and "R" |
| Year
|
2010 |
| Engine |
Liquid
cooling, four stroke, 75°V-twin cylinder, DOHC,
4 valves per cylinder |
| Capacity |
999.8 |
| Bore
x Stroke |
101
x 62.4mm |
| Compression
Ratio |
11.5:1 |
| Fuel
Induction |
Keihin
Electronic Fuel Injection EMS |
| Ignition |
Electric |
| Clutch |
Wet
Multi-disc hydraulically operated |
| Max
Power |
104.6
hp 78 KW @ 8250 rpm / 113.3 hp 84.5 KW @ 8750 rpm
"R" |
| Max
Torque |
100
Nm @ 6500 rpm |
| Transmission/Drive |
6
Speed / chain |
| Frame
|
Tubular
cromoly spaced frame. powered coated |
| Front
Suspension |
48mm
WP USD forks 210mm wheel travel. |
| Rear
Suspension |
WP-PDS
rear shock, hydraulic spring preload. 210mm wheel
travel. |
| Front
Brakes |
2
x Brembo two piston, floating caliper, 2 x floating
brake disc, 300 mm |
| Rear
Brakes |
Single
Brembo single piston, floating caliper, floating
brake disc, 240 mm |
| ABS |
Brembo
two channel ABS (optional) |
| Rims,
front/rear |
2.15
x 21"; 4.25 x 18" |
| Tyres,
front/rear |
90/90-21";
150/70-18" |
| Seat
Height |
860
mm / 915 mm "R" |
| Ground
clearance |
(unloaded)
261 mm (10.28") |
| Dry-Weight
|
209
kg / 207kg "R" |
| Fuel
Capacity |
Aprox
22 Litres |
Price |
ZAR142
000 / ZAR146 000 "R" - KTM Cape Town,
Finance Available |
  |
FI
(Fuell Injection) Issues:
There is much debate around the "FI"
system on a bike this size. At very low speeds, tight U-turning,
Riverbed navigation, rocks, and anywhere slow - the throttle
can be extremely sensative and jerky, and the bike has the
tendency to launch forward, and throw your balance off,
especially if you standing up - which you mostly are at
very slow tricky speeds.
The solution: - use a bit of clutch, it will prevent
the jerking and stalling.
Seat Comfort:
The 990
Adventure is Very comfortable standard gel seat,
and perfectly narrow close to the tank, making stand up
riding equally comfortable. With a pillion ride the slightly
raised section allows the pillion to have comfort without
sliding forward under heavy breaking.
Weight:
With a full tank of fuel, the bike weighing around 230kg,
and rider 98kg, the bike felt surprisingly agile. The dominant
riding position, with widely spaced bars and footrests allows
you to lever the bike around with very little effort.
Wind Protection:
The standard fearing provides ample wind protection,
an extention would be better for long trips at higher speeds.
Off Road Handling:
The KTM
990 was of designed to handle the off road. the
superior 210mm travel WP-USD(Up Side Down) suspension in
front and fully adjustable WP-PDS in the rear, allows for
hard riding in the toughest of conditions. The 990 will
handle just about anything you throw at it.
Road Handling:
Its rare to find an off road bias motorcycle like the 990
with road handling of this level. The
990 Adventure can be a bit heavy if you suddenly
need to switch from a left hander into a right. You need
to muscle the bike around and use your body weight with
determination. |
|
"The
990 Adventure has the agility of an enduro bike"
If you are an experienced rider and have
the ability to show her who is boss, the 990 Adventure will
deliver the results and respond like an enduro bike. I was
riding with a full tank of fuel, and I weigh 98kg - so that's
around 328kg all up - and the bike still performed well
in the wet patches. But you have to be in charge !
The all round comfort for long distance,
great wind protection, and addition of the "FI"
fuel injection system to the LC8 engine is fantastic. Fuel
economy is gauged at around 330km on a full tank, but if
you ride conservatively 400km is attainable. The weight
distribution, steering, suspension and impressive new ABS
brakes have clearly been thought out well and combine to
give a neutral, un-fussed, do as you fancy type of ride
that inspires both confidence and sheer enjoyment.
Put simply, the 990 Adventure is one of the
most inspirational bikes out there that just makes you want
to ride all day long and anywhere you like.
General Opinion:
The KTM 990 Adventure is insanely agile for a bike of its
size (209kg), if you are a more seasoned adventure rider
and not afraid to play, you will be suitable impressed with
how she handles both on road and in the dirt. I would have
preferred a TKC tyre on the rear, givin the wet conditions,
but the standard Pirelli Scorpions handled the mud and sand
satisfactorily. On tar the 990 adventure feels and handles
like a road bike - much like the Duke, KTM's road sibling.
|
|
 ...... |
KTM
Cape Town |
With
78kw available in your right hand, its difficult not
to want to open her up. Even in 3rd gear the bike wheelies
effortlously. |
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